Von Vey a Khmer man of regeneration

A dirt road along the west side of Siem Reap River was my favourite cycle route to the jungle around the ancient temple of Angkor Wat and beyond. Until reaching the jungle though, it seemed the riverside was used as a dumping ground, except that is for a 2km section that was remarkably clean and beautiful. For 2 years my friends and I would cycle past and marvel at these pleasant surroundings. I suspected this was all the doing of a man that would often call out

"sousedey, hello, have a nice day"

from behind a bush or tree, but we never stopped to seek him out.

That is until one day my front tyre got a puncture in the jungle. Rather than curse my luck, I realised I would be walking back past this area of regeneration and the possibility of meeting the man I suspected was responsible for this small haven. My step quickened toward this goal and sure enough Von Vey was toiling away at the side of the road, more than happy to share his story with me.

It was surprising to learn I was the first barang foreigner to stop and ask him about his community garden project, but then again I had cycled past him for 2 years during the pandemic without ever pausing. On the way home I realised how much I appreciated his energy and selfless efforts to regenerate his environment.

"It's people like Vey we should be celebrating and venerating for their unconditional love, not the materialistic egos of the selfish, else how are we ever to save the planet?"

I wanted to show him my appreciation, as I know how hard it can be to continue alone on a path without recognition, especially if coming from such a humble background.

Although I was preparing to leave the easy life in Cambodia, to be reunited with my motorcycle adventure, I had just enough time to record an interview with Vey

and enlist the help of Phalla Yai to transcribe and translate.

You can now watch the video we made: Our Community Garden.

So if you are ever in his neighbourhood, please look-in on Von Vey and share in his enthusiasm for life.

Or you can visit Vey online here: https://bit.ly/veyvon